chemicals
Commented by Armin Schulz on April 29th, 2026 | 07:10 CEST
Nel ASA, HPQ Silicon, Wacker Chemie: The Energy Transition Faces a Silicon Bottleneck – Time to Invest
Europe's hydrogen revolution hinges on critical micromaterials such as silicon for electrolysers and fumed silica as a thermal stabilizer in fuel cells. The EU currently imports around 80% of these materials from Asia, but the Critical Raw Materials Act now mandates 40% local value creation by 2030. Whoever closes this supply gap can effectively turn geopolitical risk into returns. We take a closer look at how Nel ASA, HPQ Silicon, and Wacker Chemie are scaling fumed silica, high-purity silicon, and electrolyser technologies profitably.
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Commented by Nico Popp on April 22nd, 2026 | 07:30 CEST
At the Heart of Industrial Transformation: HPQ Silicon, Plug Power, and Evonik
Industry increasingly requires advanced materials for the energy and mobility transitions. Both megatrends depend on highly specialized inputs—whether for more powerful batteries, more efficient energy storage, or scalable hydrogen infrastructure. Established chemical companies like Evonik Industries contribute to this development through the production of materials such as pyrogenic silica, which supports thermal stability and performance in modern battery systems. At the same time, hydrogen pioneers like Plug Power are building comprehensive ecosystem solutions. The younger company HPQ Silicon fits into this picture with innovative processes for the low-emission production of nanomaterials and silicon anodes. Through its collaboration with Novacium, HPQ recently reported a milestone: prototype GEN4 battery cells with capacities exceeding 7,000 mAh, significantly outperforming conventional industrial cells. At the same time, the on-demand hydrogen production technology developed by HPQ offers a decentralized alternative to electrolysis infrastructure, such as that offered by Plug Power. Investors should take note: HPQ Silicon is positioning itself at the intersection of specialty chemicals and emerging hydrogen-related applications.
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Commented by André Will-Laudien on March 26th, 2026 | 09:45 CET
Iran Conflict Boosting Margins: BASF, Lahontan Gold, E.ON, and Lanxess in focus
Brent crude at USD 100 – this is a game-changer! The recent attack on Qatar's key LNG facility has taken 17% of annual production off the market, and the global LNG market faces a multi-year structural deficit. A doubling of gas prices around the globe in just 12 hours also sent oil prices soaring. Worse still: The Strait of Hormuz is currently blocked, and neither oil nor gas tankers can even begin their voyages at sea. For the winding-down winter season in Europe, the problem is not overwhelming, but filling gas storage facilities over the summer is likely to prove difficult. In this environment, gold has been benefiting again since mid-week, up 5% to USD 4,550; at the crisis low, the price had even dipped to USD 4,150. How are select gold companies and major gas consumers like BASF and Lanxess faring right now? What about E.ON? Here are a few thoughts.
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Commented by Nico Popp on March 20th, 2026 | 08:25 CET
Decarbonization of Heavy Industry: Challenges for thyssenkrupp and BASF – CHAR Technologies as a Solution Provider
Heavy industry faces technological hurdles in the race to meet climate targets. The full implementation of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in January of this year is exacerbating the economic conditions. Decarbonizing the steel and chemical industries is proving complex, as these sectors require carbon not only as an energy source but also as an essential reducing agent and raw material. While European corporations like thyssenkrupp are focusing on hydrogen-based direct reduction plants, dependence on coke in existing blast furnaces persists. BASF is simultaneously advancing chemical recycling through pyrolysis oils, but faces scaling hurdles. This bottleneck brings the beginning of the recycling chain into focus: without the massive use of biochar as a substitute for metallurgical coal, the goals can hardly be achieved. CHAR Technologies is closing this supply gap with its high-temperature pyrolysis technology, has secured ArcelorMittal as an investor, and is positioning itself as a supplier to industry.
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Commented by André Will-Laudien on March 12th, 2026 | 07:05 CET
Sector rotation favors biotech and life sciences! BASF, MustGrow, Novo Nordisk, and BioNTech in focus
Surprises are currently widespread. Former Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir will now lead the state parliament in Baden-Württemberg. The Green Party won over 30% of the vote in a landslide victory, putting issues such as environmental protection, social affairs, and, from Mr. Özdemir's time as minister, the agricultural industry back in the spotlight. With a human-centered approach and a focus on healthy nutrition, this means that established agricultural companies are increasingly being forced to reconcile productivity with sustainability. In this environment, MustGrow Biologics is positioning itself as a strategic technology provider whose achievements have already been validated by leading market players. An expanded sector view also includes the life sciences industry with the protagonists BASF, Novo Nordisk, and BioNTech - an exciting mix.
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Commented by Armin Schulz on March 11th, 2026 | 07:20 CET
Three trends, one goal: How Bayer, MustGrow Biologics, and BASF are turning the agricultural revolution into a profit opportunity
Three trends are currently driving the global agricultural economy: skyrocketing fertilizer prices, regulatory pressure to preserve biodiversity, and the insatiable hunger of a growing population. As farmers navigate between existential fears and the pressure to go green, a billion-dollar transformation of industry is looming. Old chemistry is reaching its limits, while demand for biological alternatives and precision technologies is reaching an all-time high. Amid this tension between volatility and opportunity, the future of plant production is being reshaped. We take a look at how Bayer, MustGrow Biologics, and BASF are driving this transformation and could benefit from it.
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Commented by Nico Popp on February 26th, 2026 | 07:15 CET
Opportunities thanks to industrial transformation: The closed value chain of CHAR Technologies, PyroGenesis, and BASF
When it comes to the climate-neutral transformation of industry, the current phase marks the transition from strategic planning to operational implementation for many companies. According to recent publications by McKinsey and the International Energy Agency (IEA), about half of the required reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050 depends on the provision of alternative heat sources for the production of basic industrial materials such as steel, cement, and chemicals. The regulatory framework in Europe and North America is defined by the Emissions Trading System (ETS) and stricter standards for the circular economy, which increases the financial pressure on CO2-intensive processes. In this environment, the thermal decomposition of organic materials in the absence of oxygen, known as pyrolysis, is becoming increasingly popular as a means of recovering energy from waste streams and utilizing them as carbon sinks. CHAR Technologies, PyroGenesis, and BASF play an important role in this context, ranging from decentralized waste recovery to specialized plant engineering and industrial applications.
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Commented by Armin Schulz on February 18th, 2026 | 07:00 CET
Forget the automakers: Deutsche Telekom, RE Royalties, and BASF are the new anchors for your income in 2026
The message sounds promising: EUR 52.9 billion for shareholders. But those who rely on the familiar dividend stars could be in for a nasty surprise in 2026. While global distributions are crawling along and growth has halved to 2.7%, a quiet power shift is taking place in portfolios. Former dividend kings, like the automakers, are hitting the brakes, while banks and financiers are setting the pace. For investors, this means paying closer attention. A closer look at Deutsche Telekom, RE Royalties, and BASF shows where the real opportunities for 2026 might lie.
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Commented by Carsten Mainitz on February 11th, 2026 | 07:15 CET
Megatrend decarbonization: CHAR Technologies in the lead, BASF and Evonik stumbling?
Rising prices, security of supply, and ambitious climate targets are shaping the energy transition. Energy has become a strategic resource. CHAR Technologies converts biological waste into long-lasting carbon products such as biocarbon or biochar, which permanently bind carbon and remove it from the natural carbon cycle. The Canadian company is thus addressing several megatrends at once. Energy-intensive industries such as chemicals have recently been able to breathe a sigh of relief, as the EU appears to be planning to issue free emission allowances for longer than predicted. Nevertheless, the challenges remain considerable. Which companies will ultimately convince investors?
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Commented by Armin Schulz on February 4th, 2026 | 07:25 CET
Hydrogen explosion: How to cash in on the coming boom with Plug Power, dynaCERT, and Linde!
The next phase of the energy transition is taking shape. Driven by billions in subsidies and a political consensus on clean energy, hydrogen is on the verge of a decisive breakthrough. Falling costs for green hydrogen are meeting exploding demand from industry and transportation, while new technologies are overcoming old infrastructure hurdles. In this historic upheaval, three concrete investment opportunities are emerging that play different but essential roles. We analyze the current situation of Plug Power, dynaCERT, and Linde.
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